The peloton set off from Chartres for a race of over 210 kilometers. Six riders attacked early, but their effort came to an end well before the finish. 

The high pace turned the race into a battle of attrition. In the finale, defending champion Laporte was the only Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider left in the front group. A compact peloton reached Tours, where several short climbs and gravel sections followed in quick succession. Meanwhile, French duo Paul Lapeira and Thibaud Gruel held a small lead over the chasers. 

With eighteen kilometers to go, Laporte launched an attack of his own, joined by four strong riders. The group of five caught the two leaders only in the final kilometer. In the long sprint, Laporte ultimately had to let only Trentin pass him, while Albert Philipsen took third. 

“When you finish second, there’s always a bit of disappointment, but I can look back on my race with satisfaction,” Laporte said afterwards. “In the finale I was somewhat isolated, but I managed to respond well to the others’ attacks. Eventually, I decided to make my own move. Together we managed to close the gap and sprint for the win. In the sprint, I felt cramps coming on, which made it almost impossible to push any harder. I gave everything I had, but Matteo was just a little stronger today. I’m happy with my form this autumn.”